Awareness of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among the Adult Population in Northern Saudi Arabia

Mohamed M Abd El Mawgod; Khalid M Alhazmi; Adel S Alanazi; Salem M Alenezi; Wael A Alanazi

doi:10.7759/cureus.52100

Awareness of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among the Adult Population in Northern Saudi Arabia

Cureus. 2024 Jan 11;16(1):e52100. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52100. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Authors

Mohamed M Abd El Mawgod^{1

2}, Khalid M Alhazmi³, Adel S Alanazi³, Salem M Alenezi³, Wael A Alanazi³

Affiliations

¹ Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, EGY.
² Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, SAU.
³ College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, SAU.

Abstract

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent entrapment neuropathy affecting the upper limb. It is recognized as a complex condition that is attributed to both non-medical and medical risk factors. Lack of awareness leads to delays in seeking advice, diagnosis, and treatment. Objective To determine the awareness of CTS, its associated symptoms, signs, and risk factors among the adult population. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study design was carried out among the adult population in Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia. Results In total, 338 respondents participated in this study. More than one-third (40.8%) mentioned that median nerve entrapment is a cause of CTS. The most commonly cited risk factor by the respondents was engaging in physical tasks such as using a computer (53%). Additionally, 60% of participants agreed that symptoms of CTS include tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Conclusion The findings of the study indicated a lack of adequate community awareness about CTS among the studied population.

Keywords: awareness; carpal tunnel syndrome; risk factors; signs; symptoms.